100 Worlds Project by Ron Miriello – Part One

From my perspective an essential part of the human experience rests within the process of seeking out beauty, wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment. We read books, watch movies & plays, engage in conversation and conduct searches online, yet so often we encounter such situations by dumb luck.

Maybe fate or karma is a more appropriate explanation, but regardless of the term used, I found myself in just such a situation when I recently met with Ron Miriello to discuss the fine points of creativity, messaging and branding. I should mention that Ron runs the Miriello Grafico agency, so he’s a wellspring of information on that front.

It wasn’t until the end of the conversation that I mentioned Global Patriot, at which point Ron responded with an explanation of his 100 Worlds Project. The concept of creating 100 pieces of art, using our planet as the visual foundation, while relying on a range of used materials, from bowling balls to pipewrenches, propellers, old shoes and used pencils, caught my attention, but I wasn’t prepared for the visual reality.

Piece #24 - Collaborators Anne Miriello and Aurora Christophers

Ron’s fascination with globes began in childhood, the circular metaphor representing global community, collaboration and communication. That led to countless sketches and ideas which ultimately inspired Ron to embark upon this project of creating 100 sculptures. Reflecting the underlying theme of inclusion, Ron assembled a diverse creative team that included other graphics designers, as well as printers, welders and craftsman to be part of the project. The result is nothing short of miraculous.

As a Creative Director of a design firm, I use my creativity to benefit my clients. In the shifting tides of business climates and new paradigms, I felt the need to channel my creative energy into something that was pure. To challenge myself to be resourceful, to see everyday objects in a different way, and uncover new potential in objects and talents that were often overlooked.

Piece #19 - Collaborators Simon Ritchkin and Tim Butler

Given the global and community nature of the project, it should come as no surprise that there is a philanthropic aspect to this exhibition, and a portion of the proceeds from all sales will be directed to the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation.

What I found fascinating as I examined the first 50 pieces of Ron’s collection at the JETT Gallery in downtown San Diego, CA was that while every piece of material was an inanimate object, it was obvious that each one had ‘lived’ life the to the fullest. Every scrap of material, having served its intended purpose admirably, had somehow ended up in this collection, allowing their appreciation to continue on indefinitely.

I set a goal to create 100 unique globes. What I uncovered was far more than the sculptures I ended up creating: A renewed sense of vigor about my world, my community, and my purpose.

Project Insights from Ron Miriello

The 100 Worlds Project has been full of discoveries, here are some of mine.

We need a different word for collaborator. Our language lacks a word between partner and helper. I think it’s exactly the type of activity we’re trying to do more of. But what word do you call it?

Working without commerce as the driving force is both exhilarating and in many ways more inviting for others.

People willingly participate in a vision they understand and can become a “part of”. They see that in some way, because they were involved, it changed the outcome.

Art openings are for people to see people rather than the art. Kind of like going to a bar to hear the band. (But what a great opening party it was!)

We need less of the processes and consultants than we assume are critical. The creative process itself, when undertaken with discipline, can be adequate to guide a vision. And often to a more exciting conclusion.

The globe form serves well as a neutral entry point for a bigger dialogue about art and the creative process.

A big victory for me was that people understand the “intent” of the vision. They may like or not like the work, but most understand the intention.

It was cool to see our branding and theming skills applied to a personal project, to be a recipient of the power behind a simple theme, or “brand”. I believe in what I do professionally more than ever.

Sharing the creative process, “the how”, is as powerful as showing the results. The more it’s demystified, the more people see that they are, themselves, a creative being.

Why is the most frequent question, ”When will you finish the next 50?” (We’re a very impatient and voracious lot.)

Thanks for caring – Ron Miriello.

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Sweet…and I’m fascinated greatly by this: “Working without commerce as the driving force is both exhilarating and in many ways more inviting for others.” That’s true of many of my clients, so I wonder how to do more with that concept.

It is interesting to see how creativity blossoms when the objective is not making money, but rather crafting a message (via words, images or objects) that is based on expressing a noble idea. You bring up a great point Steven; how do we do more with that paradigm.

Thanks for sharing this piece of amazing art!
The learnings from this project is indeed insightful.
And I can see how by the process of creation, it is able to sculpt our paradigms of coming together to serve a common purpose and vision.
It is a time where we are seeing more purposeful collaborations than fear, greed & ego driven competition.
Once again, the map is not the territory, really grateful for sharing this part of the “map” with us from different perspectives.

I know that collaboration was a big part of Ron’s vision for the series of sculptures, and the vision that each brought to the table became part of the creative common purpose that you mention. I’m looking forward to the next 50!